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Crafted by Ed Iskenderian from a 1924 Model T, the Isky T is believed to be one of the few remaining prewar hot rods in its original, unaltered state. Explore more captivating images of hot rods.
Publications International, Ltd.The Isky T was the brainchild of Ed "Isky" Iskenderian, a legendary figure in the world of speed equipment. Before gaining fame as a cam grinder, Ed was a car enthusiast in his teens. As a high school senior in 1940, he constructed this 1924 Ford Model T roadster, achieving an impressive speed of 120 mph at El Mirage dry lake in 1942.
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Iskenderian's T stands as one of the oldest surviving hot rods in its original condition, possibly the only untouched prewar model still in existence. Ed's habit of preserving everything since 1943 has ensured this car remains a priceless relic from the early days of hot rodding.
Ed experimented with multiple engine setups before finalizing the current configuration. The vehicle is driven by a classic flathead Ford V-8, featuring Maxi overhead-exhaust-valve cylinder heads and a Thickstun three-carb manifold. He personally crafted the valve covers, etching his name onto them.
The Isky T's rear end is positioned behind the spring, creating a distinctive silhouette for this hot rod.The car's striking stance is due to the rear end being placed behind the spring rather than directly beneath or in front of it, extending the wheelbase by six inches. The front axle, sourced from a 1932 Ford, is paired with stock 1937 Ford wishbones.
The one-of-a-kind grille shell was fashioned by welding together the tops of two 1933 Pontiac surrounds, with vertical bars incorporated for added flair. Ed designed the hood ornament during a high school shop class.
The firewall boasts an engine-turned finish, a hallmark of hot rods from this period. Dual lakes pipes emerge from the exhaust ports, curving elegantly past the driver's compartment.
The Isky T's interior showcases naugahyde upholstery and Auburn dash panels, typical of prewar hot rods.Red Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and coordinating naugahyde upholstery were trendy in prewar hot rods, along with Auburn dash panels. Ed positioned the tachometer on the steering-column support for clear visibility through the oversized "banjo" steering wheel.
Inside, two dash plaques (below) serve as cherished relics from the early days of hot rodding. The left plaque, from the Western Timing Association (a brief competitor to the SCTA), commemorates the car's 120 mph achievement at El Mirage.
The Isky T's dash plaques are elegant mementos of the power and speed that defined hot rodding's history.Isky later added the second tag, an official Isky timing tag detailing the lift and duration of the camshaft. Each cam sold by Isky includes one of these tags.
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